According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ulcerative colitis, or UC, is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The condition can cause intestinal ulcers and bleeding, as well as diarrhea. Due to the frequent diarrhea, individuals with UC may be at higher risk for malnutrition from not eating enough or not absorbing enough nutrients. Certain vitamins may be recommended to help the patient obtain adequate amounts of these nutrients. Prior to any supplementation, individuals with UC should consult a health care professional to reduce the risk of adverse interactions or side effects.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Those with UC may avoid foods that irritate their stomachs, including dairy products. According to the University of Virginia Health System, many adults do not get enough calcium or vitamin D, and patients with UC may be especially at risk for calcium and vitamin D deficiencies because they avoid dairy products that contain these vitamins. Calcium is necessary for normal muscle, nerve and heart functioning, as well as proper blood clotting, says the National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. The Center also states that a lack of calcium can contribute to weak bones and increase the risk of bone fractures. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. For individuals with UC, a calcium supplement containing vitamin D can help provide these necessary vitamins.
Iron
Chronic intestinal bleeding may occur in UC, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia, says the Mayo Clinic. Iron helps regulate cell growth and aids in oxygen transport through the body. The Office of Dietary Supplements states that the majority of iron is found in hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to body tissues. Deficiencies in iron can lead to fatigue, anemia and immune system impairment. Individuals with UC may need to take a prescribed iron supplement; it is important to discuss appropriate dosages of iron with a health care professional, since too much can cause toxicity.
Folic Acid
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that many individuals with UC have been found to have low levels of folic acid in their blood. Folic acid and folate are typically used interchangeably, but the Linus Pauling Institute states that folate is typically found in foods and occurs naturally in the human body, whereas folic acid is usually used in vitamin supplements and fortified foods. According to drugs.com, folic acid is a B vitamin that helps the body produce new cells and helps protect changes in DNA that can lead to disease. According to the University of Maryland, although individuals with UC are more likely than those without UC to develop colon cancer, UC patients taking folic acid have a reduced risk of developing the disease.
References
- University of Virginia Health System: Nutrition and Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
- NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center: Calcium and vitamin D: Important at any age
- Mayo Clinic: Ulcerative colitis: Treatments and drugs
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative colitis
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Folic Acid
